That night, the local forums for Hearthome City were buzzing with activity.
Gardenia had posted on the community board using the official account, announcing that she'd be out the next day and that an acting Gym Leader would be handling battles in her place.
While she hadn't named who would be filling in, a user with the handle MintLovingOddish spilled the beans: the acting Gym Leader would be none other than Luther, the assistant trainer at the Gym.
The news immediately set off a wave of heated discussion.
"That guy with just one Badge? Why would Gardenia hand over the Gym to him?"
"Anyone want to team up and head to Hearthome Gym tomorrow for a Badge?"
"Count me in, let's go earn that win!"
"I haven't even gotten my first Badge yet. This might be the chance I've been waiting for. Big thanks to Gardenia and Luther!"
"Not me, I've been stuck at Hearthome Gym for a month. Gardenia's Grass-types are brutal."
Some users were clearly unfamiliar with Luther and his role at the Gym.
"Anyone from the area? What kind of team does this Luther guy run?"
"Same here, curious trainer from the next town over."
"From what I've heard from some people, he only uses a Jumpluff, Marill, Chansey, and a Ralts that's still struggling with Psychic moves."
"Appreciate the info, may luck be on your side!"
Gardenia lay sprawled out in bed, gleefully switching between alt accounts on her laptop, stirring up the discussion with practiced ease.
"Luther's Ralts is so weak it can't even lift Chansey with Psychic. How is that guy qualified to lead the Gym?"
"He's way below Gardenia's level. Tomorrow's battle scene at Hearthome Gym is gonna be a mess."
Gardenia stirred the pot like a pro, it clearly wasn't her first time fueling online chaos. But as the chatter picked up, she realized the tone of the comments was starting to change.
"If he's so underqualified, why did Gardenia pick him as acting Gym Leader?"
"Maybe Gardenia has a thing for him?"
"Love messes with your head, y'know."
"She is a woman, after all. I get it."
'Seriously? You brats aren't even fourteen and you're talking about love like you know what it means? Acting like grown-ups already?!'
Alarmed, Gardenia stopped posting anything negative about Luther. The fire she started was creeping dangerously close to her, and she knew it was time to switch tactics.
When she refocused on the discussion, she found that it had shifted again, this time debating whether Luther's current path made sense.
"Why not just travel like most trainers? Why take such a timid route?"
"Isn't studying for academic types? This feels pointless."
"Learning about Pokémon is important, but can't you do that on a journey too?"
These views were gaining traction, and debates with opposing opinions were starting to boil over.
While Gardenia had been fanning the flames to draw challengers to the Gym, Luther had also been doing some "promotional work" of his own, but from a different angle.
"Looks like tomorrow's gonna be survival of the fittest. That Luther guy won't last long with his current rotation."
"I'm lining up outside the Gym first thing tomorrow!"
"First thing? Please. I'm heading there at midnight."
"I'm already camped in front of Hearthome Gym with my tent. See you all bright and early!"
After Luther and Mai finished fueling the hype online, they watched with amusement as the community exploded with eager posts and competitive energy.
With how hot the weather was, they figured those early-bird trainers would end up feeding the mosquitoes, and each other's tempers, long before they saw any action in the Gym.
Not all replies were dismissive or mocking Luther, though.
"I've been in Luther's class, his explanations are solid."
"His battle drills are based on real experience. They may not be fancy in theory, but they're practical. Unless you've actually trained under him, what gives you the right to talk?"
"Big talkers. Bet you'll be speechless if you lose tomorrow."
"Even if you do win, bragging about beating a substitute Gym Leader? That's just a bunch of sore losers flexing."
Luther recognized a few usernames from his classes. Some of his students were actually speaking up in his defense, and it warmed his heart a little.
While Luther scrolled through the flood of comments, Mai was changing clothes nearby, casually looking for clean underwear.
He'd reminded her multiple times about boundaries, but she always waved him off with a simple, "I don't mind."
By now, Luther was used to it. He just rolled his eyes and kept scrolling through his phone.
Mai suddenly spoke up. "Take my Pokémon with you to the Gym tomorrow."
"There are plenty of Pokémon in Gardenia's backyard, I won't be needing them for now."
"I get that," She added, already heading into the bathroom with Eevee in her arms. "But if you come across some weaker challengers, let them get a bit of battle experience."
With the bathroom door closing behind her, Luther finally shifted positions on the bed, phone still in hand as he continued scrolling through the forum posts.
"Eevee's not coming," He called out. "She's helping me look after the Pokémon egg."
"Oh, right, Corsola's still in the bathtub. Can you check on her?"
"She filled it with hot water and passed out in there again!"
Mai sighed from inside the bathroom. She splashed cold water on Corsola to wake her, then carried the soggy Pokémon out and tossed a towel over her head.
Luther took over, gently drying Corsola off and laying her down beside Slowpoke, who barely blinked in acknowledgment.
As Luther continued tending to Corsola, Mai's phone vibrated several times in quick succession. Its screen lit up repeatedly with new notifications.
"Your phone's going crazy," He said. "Want me to check if it's Day Care stuff? Things must be hectic with all those new Pokémon coming in."
Mai didn't reply, so Luther hesitated, then used the lock screen password she'd shared with him to open her phone.
Sure enough, it was full of messages from the Day Care discussion group. He read them aloud, glancing at each one:
Most were updates, care instructions for certain Pokémon, egg incubation status, reminders for things to confirm in the morning.
But one message stood out.
"Don't forget your promise to the family."
It came through as Luther was reading, and he stopped mid-sentence, the words catching in his throat. His eyes moved to the name on the contact list.
Accompanying it was a fund transfer, ₱100,000.
Luther said nothing. Quietly, he set the phone down on Mai's bedside table and returned to his spot, picking up one of the books he'd borrowed from Gardenia.
Moments later, Mai stepped out of the bathroom, towel-drying her hair.
Luther paused mid-page, his gaze shifting to her as she picked up her phone.
At first, she scrolled casually, but her pace quickly increased. Her brows furrowed. The irritation in her expression deepened.
Without saying a word, Mai laid back on the bed, one arm draped across her forehead as she stared silently at the ceiling. Her energy, usually so light and carefree, had vanished.
Later, when Luther finished showering and turned off the lights, Mai was still lying in that same position, motionless and quiet.
It was rare to see her like this. Luther's most vivid memory of Mai was from that sunny afternoon when she skipped ahead on the trail, humming a strange melody from another world, smiling as she mused aloud that everyone has secrets of their own.
In the darkness, Luther heard the creak of a mattress as Mai slowly sat up and stepped out of bed.
Still half-drowsy, he turned to his side, eyes barely open, pretending to stay asleep.
He felt a soft breath brush his cheek, Mai was leaning close, checking if he was awake.
After a long moment of silence, the door opened and closed with the faintest click.
The room fell quiet again.
Luther didn't move. He stayed still, eyes shut, only rising much later to fake a trip to the bathroom.
Corsola was snuggled against Slowpoke. Eevee was curled protectively near the Pokémon egg. Pachirisu was nestled up on a pillow.
They were all still here.
Mai, however, had left the room with her phone in hand.
(End of Chapter)
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